Authors to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Paris

Adventures by the Book will host a benefit to provide humanitarian relief for the victims and survivors of last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris. With a goal of raising $5,000, the event will offer numerous silent auction items including dinner with Susan Vreeland, author of “Lisette’s List,” Jennifer Coburn, author of “We’ll always have Paris,” Michelle Gable, author of “A Paris apartment,” and Laurel Corona, author of “Finding Emilie.” El Cajon’s Amy Finley, author of “How to eat a small country” will also be present. Former Food Network star of The Gourmet Next Door, Finley dropped the series and moved to Paris with her family, until returning to the U.S.

French wine, goodies, and books will also be available for purchase.

“Everyone involved is volunteering their time and donating their services and goods,” said Susan McBeth, founder of Adventures by the Book, a San Diego-based literary event planning and travel company. “Our goal is to raise $5,000 for the French Red Cross to assist in its efforts with humanitarian relief in the wake of the tragic attacks last week.”

“I just returned from Paris a week ago, and after the attacks on Friday night, I received numerous texts from family and friends saying how relieved they were that I was no longer there,” said Jennifer Coburn. “I knew they meant well, but it was the exact opposite of how I felt. I wanted to be back in Paris helping however I could.”

McBeth, who also recently returned from Paris where she led Adventures by the Book literary travel event with Susan Vreeland, felt similarly at a loss as to what she could do to support the city she had grown to love. In sharing their sadness, Coburn and McBeth decided to host a fundraiser to benefit the French Red Cross.

“We were literally planning this event driving back from an event in Los Angeles and were amazed at the immediate and enthusiastic support we received,” said McBeth. “Within hours, we had commitments for appearances and book donations from Susan Vreeland ‘Lisette’s List,’ Michelle Gable ‘A Paris apartment,’ Laurel Corona ‘Finding Emilie,’ Amy Finley ‘How to eat a small country,’ Mary Duncan ‘Henry Miller is under my bed,’ Juliette Sobanet ‘Sleeping with Paris,’ Anita Hughes ‘French Coast,’ Janice Steinberg ‘Tin Horse,’ Jan Moran ‘Scent of Triumph,’ and Susan Meissner ‘Secrets of a charmed life.’”

Cheese Store of San Diego offered its space at no cost and more donations keep coming in.

“It is wonderful to live in a community like San Diego where an outpouring of support is such a natural response.” Coburn added, “It will be very gratifying to send a donation to the French Red Cross and let the people of Paris know that our hearts are with them.”

RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Please email susan@adventuresbythebook.com.

To make a donation to the San Diego Je Suis Paris effort, please mail checks to:

Adventures by the Book, P.O. Box 421472, San Diego, CA 92142

Adventures by the Book benefit for French Red Cross effort to provide humanitarian relief for victims and survivors of terrorist attacks in Paris